Dental Exams & Teeth Cleaning in Suffern, NY

What’s the Purpose of a Dental Exam?

Let us know what medications you’re taking and any surgeries you’ve had, as these can impact your teeth and your treatment plans. Then, we’ll use our special tools to examine your teeth and gums. We want to spot any problems or decay while they’re small and easier to treat. We also want to check the alignment of your teeth and jaw. A dental exam doesn’t hurt, but it does give us a complete picture of what’s going on with your teeth. Be sure to let us know if you have any questions at any point during your exam. We want you to be comfortable during your visit, and we’re always happy to explain what we’re doing and why.

Why Should I Get My Teeth Professionally Cleaned?

A professional cleaning benefits your oral health in several ways. First, it helps remove stubborn plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach. No matter how carefully you brush and floss, tartar can form below your gum line and cause decay. As part of your teeth cleaning in Suffern, our dental professionals carefully remove this tartar using special tools. This can prevent gum disease and cavities. In addition, a professional teeth cleaning helps smooth your teeth. Our mechanical tooth polisher gently buffs the surface of each tooth. This eliminates rough places that plaque bacteria might cling to. We use a special polishing toothpaste to leave your teeth clean and sparkling. You’ll love the way your mouth feels after a deep cleaning. While it is important to brush and floss at home, there’s no substitute for a professional cleaning. If you haven’t had one in a while, contact our office today to get an appointment on your calendar.

The Importance of Gum Therapy

The symptoms of gum problems often start small. In fact, most people don't notice gum disease symptoms right away. This is why you should pay close attention to your home oral hygiene routine and visit our office for a dental exam in Suffern. Let us know right away if you notice bleeding from the gums when you brush or floss. If you skip visiting the dentist or don’t brush or floss regularly, the bacteria from plaque will start growing below your gum line. Once this happens, the bacteria multiplies rapidly because your brush cannot reach it. If you don’t catch gum disease early enough, it can progress to periodontal disease. We offer gum therapy as an effective periodontal treatment. Gum therapy involves root planing, which smooths out the roots of your teeth to help your gums reattach. Scaling and root planing may take more than one visit to complete and may require a local anesthetic. If you think you need gum disease treatment, contact us to set up an appointment and discuss your options for gum therapy.

How Can I Manage Bad Breath?

If you have chronic bad breath, you’re probably looking for a cure. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be accompanied by other symptoms:

• A metallic taste in your mouth
• Thick saliva that causes frequent throat-clearing
• A white coating on your tongue
• Persistent dry mouth

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, our office can help. Our dentists will do a careful assessment of your symptoms as part of a dental exam. Many bad breath symptoms are caused by poor oral hygiene. When food particles become trapped between your teeth and gums, they can harbor the bacteria that causes bad breath. Don’t just try mints or gum and hope for the best. Contact our office today to find a bad breath treatment that actually works.

Oral Cancer Screening and Your Health

Oral cancer starts small and can be hard to detect. This is why we always check for oral cancer as part of a dental exam in Suffern. If caught early, oral cancer can be successfully treated with good outcomes. Checking for oral cancer is non-invasive, quick, and painless. Our primary screening tools are touch and sight. We will feel your neck and jaw for lumps and swelling that might indicate a problem.

We’ll also carefully examine your lips, mouth, and throat for any precancerous signs. We’ll check the sides of your tongue and the tissue underneath it for any abnormalities. When we’re done, we’ll let you know of any areas of concern. A comprehensive oral cancer test is important to your health. Be sure to let us know if you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer or how we check for it.